I have been looking at the interchangeable needles. Which is the better, boye or denise? I can only afford 1 kind. Also, I see the boye only come with the smallest size of 20" cable. How can you get a 16"?

I only have the Denise set, so I can't compare it to the Boye, but I love my Denise needles. I also love bamboo needles. I'm not as fond of metal needles, however, I think that the Boye set has smaller sizes of needles than the Denise set does. Probably we all need BOTH. Kimmie

I love my Boye set! 13 needle sizes, ranging from US size 2 to 15! Nice smooth needles that are a pleasure to knit on. Very compact carrying case, measuring at only 7" x 7-1/2" x 3/4". The only thing it needs, in my opinion, is a different rubber grip to better tighten the needles. I use a circle cut from a pair of dish-washing gloves; works like a charm, I never ever have needles unscrewing on me. I can't speak to the Denise set, because I've never used it.

I'm not sure about other sets, but I don't think any will give smaller than 20". The reason, is because you can't have a short cable, without also shortening the straight-needle parts. If you look at 16" cable needles, their straight-needle parts (the ends that you hold onto and knit with) are significantly shorter than those on larger cable needles. Many people find them harder to knit with, because there's less needle to hold onto. So, it's understandable that the interchangeable kits make the needle sizes big enough to hold onto, and, consequently, too big to make a 16" set out of.

The kit-owner's solution to doing smaller diameter knitting is (listed in order of affordability)...
1) Use the Magic Loop method to knit smaller items. Not the most fluid method of knitting, in my mind, but certainly economical, and always good to know. With a kit, you use a double-length cable (two cables attached together), for an extra-long cable length.
2) Buy DPN's in your favorite sizes.
3) Buy 16" circulars, in your favorite sizes. Then you can do 16" items like hats, and you'll have the second cable needle that can be used for doing small-diameter knitting on two cable needles. If you don't mind knitting with the smaller needle ends that are on a 16", then this option makes a lot of sense!
4)Own two kits! If you like knitting on two-circulars, which is a nice way to knit, then this is a great solution for your smaller diameter knitting.

I think my preferences are largely based on habit. I think any of the above solutions could work great for you.

Amy

__________________~Amy
KnittingHelp Queen Bee

‎"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open."— Martha Graham